Visitors to Indonesia would be remiss in not visiting the second-largest city of Surabaya during their tour of the Indonesian islands. Known as the “city of heroes” for the significant role of the Battle of Surabaya, which galvanised Indonesian and international support for Indonesian independence, Surabaya is home to a rich swath of internationally-influenced Indonesian culture. When visiting the city, a prime lodging option would be a luxury apartment Surabaya has to offer its visitors, one situated in the heart of this cosmopolitan city, outfitted with a range of modern conveniences for the discerning traveller. The Somerset Surabaya Hotel and Serviced Residence is an excellent choice, as this quality Surabaya hotel features contemporary interiors laced with luxury for the perfect stay in Surabaya whether you’re here for business or pleasure. For a taste of the city’s exotic multiculturalism, remember to visit the iconic House of Sampoerna, a gorgeous Dutch-inspired colonial house that was converted to a unique production house for fine local cigarettes, especially the prestigious Dji Sam Soe. The House of Sampoerna is now a museum, art gallery, shop and café in one, and visitors can sample all aspects of the cigarette-rolling process as well as soak in the luxury lifestyle such a pastime demands. Relive the amazing story of the founding family and try your hand at rolling one of the traditional cigars yourself. Think your fingers are dexterous enough to match the pace of the rollers? They do it at a speed of 325 stick per hour. Visit the museum’s shop to pick up some unique souvenirs such as miniatures of the cigarette rolling equipments, packets of clove cigarettes as well as books, t-shirts and polo shirts, batik clothing and handicrafts, which make for the perfect gifts to take home to family and friends, or to maybe treat yourself after a successful business deal. The art gallery is a unique feature of the house, as it exhibits a rotating series of work by some of the city’s up-and-coming artists as well as some of the more established names in the Indonesian art scene. After sampling the fine wares of tobacco appreciation in the house, indulge in a sumptuous bite and beverage at the art-deco inspired Café of the house, dishing up an appetizing array of Asian and Western-inspired cuisine to satisfy the most discerning of palates.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.

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